The long journey to the Azores to play Campeonato de Portugal Division D leaders SC Praiense resulted in Olhanense returning home with a valuable point as they try to close in on a play-off promotion place.
Prior to this game, Praiense had won nine and drawn one of their 10 games, only conceding three goals. But it could have been more productive for the visitors if they had taken advantage of their numerical superiority when Praiense had João Peixoto sent-off after just half-an-hour.
Olhanense started in a positive vein and Stevy Okitokandjo saw his shot sail just over the bar on 13 minutes. Five minutes later, Dário Paiva headed over from a corner for the home side. The final 30 minutes of the game were dominated by the visitors but, although Reider Rodríguez, Stevy Okitokandjo and substitute Hassan went close, they could not find a way past former Olhanense keeper Tiago Maia who made several fine saves. Olhanense move up to fifth place, nine points below a play-off place. On Sunday, Olhanense welcome Angrense (Azores) to the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão (behind McDonalds on the EN125). Kick-off is 11am. Angrense are having a torrid time of late having won only one of their last 10 games.
CHRIS WRIGHT
